Salvatore J. Camarata

A thoughtful, resilient, and dedicated man, Salvatore J. Camarata was born, raised and loved in Ellensburg, WA to parents Angelo and Grace Camarata on the 6th of April in the year 1930. Salvatore spent a lifetime in this town, graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1949 and in 1953 traveled to Italy to wed his beloved wife, Pasqualina Masuccio. After returning to Ellensburg the couple spent 58 devoted years together, rearing, raising, and unconditionally loving four children and three grandchildren. If anything was important to Salvatore it was the merit of hard work and providing for those he loved, which he successfully accomplished through his many years working at the Thunderbird Restaurant, the City of Ellensburg, and the Milwaukee Railroad. He went on to own and operate Valley Construction, a fitting occupation that allowed him the fulfillment of watching his project turn into a masterpiece. Family was a priority in the life of Salvatore, and he always kept his relationships strong. Whoever he talked to felt his genuine concern and interest in them, which made his company a complete joy. He got much enjoyment from meeting new people, sitting down to talk for extended periods of time, and just basking in the warmth of camaraderie over his daily mug of coffee. Salvatore had a passion for learning new things and abilities, and was always up to tackling something different with the spirit of someone unfazed by age and times passing. Salvatore maintained a healthy and strong relationship with God and the church and was very active in his faith. He did not take his life for granted and wasted no time in warming the hearts of all he encountered.

Salvatore was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Grace; brothers, Carl, Joe, Bart and Alfonso (Rose); sisters, Mary (Gus) Mandelas and Ann (Albert) Hinkle.

He survived by his wife, Pasqualina; daughter, Mary (Walter) Coy; sons, Patrick Gene and David (Alena); grandchildren, Matthew, Kati and Michael Camarata and countless loved ones and friends.

Funeral mass will be 10 am Saturday, July 9th at Saint Andrew's Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited at 7 pm Friday, July 8th at Saint Andrew's Catholic Church. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Ellensburg WA. Arrangements are in the care of Steward and Williams Tribute Center.